Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Reversal of Residual Neuromuscular Blocks After Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Postoperative Side Effects.

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex and neostigmine given to reverse residual neuromuscular blockade can cause side effects including bradycardia, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, and even cardiac arrest. We tested the hypothesis that sugammadex is noninferior to neostigmine on a composite of clinically meaningful side effects, or vice versa. METHODS: We analyzed medical records of patients who had general, cardiothoracic, or pediatric surgery and were given neostigmine or sugammadex from June 2016 to December 2019. Our primary outcome was a collapsed composite of bradycardia, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, and cardiac arrest occurring between administration of the reversal agent and departure from the operation room. We a priori restricted our analysis to side effects requiring pharmacologic treatment that were therefore presumably clinically meaningful. Sugammadex would be considered noninferior to neostigmine (or vice versa) if the odds ratio for composite of side effects did not exceed 1.2. RESULTS: Among 89,753 surgeries in 70,690 patients, 16,480 (18%) were given sugammadex and 73,273 (82%) were given neostigmine. The incidence of composite outcome was 3.4% in patients given sugammadex and 3.0% in patients given neostigmine. The most common individual side effect was bradycardia (2.4% in the sugammadex group versus 2.2% neostigmine). Noninferiority was not found, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.21 (sugammadex versus neostigmine; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.34; noninferiority P = .57), and neostigmine was superior to sugammadex with an estimated odds ratio of 0.83 (0.74-0.92), 1-side superiority P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: The composite incidence was less with neostigmine than with sugammadex, but only by 0.4% (a negligible clinical effect). Since 250 patients would need to be given neostigmine rather than sugammadex to avoid 1 episode of a minor complication such as bradycardia or bronchospasm, we conclude that sugammadex and neostigmine are comparably safe.

Effect of a Rapid Response Team on the Incidence of In-Hospital Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of the life-limiting events, such as cardiopulmonary arrests or cardiac arrhythmias occurring in hospitals, are considered preventable. These critical events are usually preceded by clinical deterioration. Rapid response teams (RRTs) were introduced to intervene early in the course of clinical deterioration and possibly prevent progression to an event. An RRT was introduced at the Cleveland Clinic in 2009 and transitioned to an anesthesiologist-led system in 2012. We evaluated the association between in-hospital mortality and: (1) the introduction of the RRT in 2009 (primary analysis), and (2) introduction of the anesthesiologist-led system in 2012 and other policy changes in 2014 (secondary analyses). METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis using the medical records of overnight hospitalizations from March 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, at the Cleveland Clinic. We assessed the association between the introduction of the RRT in 2009 and in-hospital mortality using segmented regression in a generalized estimating equation model to account for within-subject correlation across repeated visits. Baseline potential confounders (demographic factors and surgery type) were controlled for using inverse probability of treatment weighting on the propensity score. We assessed whether in-hospital mortality changed at the start of the intervention and whether the temporal trend (slope) differed from before to after initiation. Analogous models were used for the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Of 628,533 hospitalizations in our data set, 177,755 occurred before and 450,778 after introduction of our RRT program. Introduction of the RRT was associated with a slight initial increase in in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}], 1.17 [1.09-1.25]; P < .001). However, while the pre-RRT slope in in-hospital mortality over time was flat (odds ratio [95% CI] per year, 1.01 [0.98-1.04]; P = .60), the post-RRT slope decreased over time, with an odds ratio per additional year of 0.961 (0.955-0.968). This represented a significant improvement (P < .001) from the pre-RRT slope. CONCLUSIONS: We found a gradual decrease in mortality over a 9-year period after introduction of an RRT program. Although mechanisms underlying this decrease are unclear, possibilities include optimization of RRT implementation, anesthesiology department leadership of the RRT program, and overall improvements in health care delivery over the study period. Our findings suggest that improvements in outcome after RRT introduction may take years to manifest. Further work is needed to better understand the effects of RRT implementation on in-hospital mortality.

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Reversal of Rocuronium Neuromuscular Block in Patients Having Catheter-Based Neurointerventional Procedures: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-based endovascular neurointerventions require deep neuromuscular blocks during the procedure and rapid subsequent recovery of strength to facilitate neurological evaluation. We tested the primary hypothesis that sugammadex reverses deep neuromuscular blocks faster than neostigmine reverses moderate neuromuscular blocks. METHODS: Patients having catheter-based cerebral neurointerventional procedures were randomized to: (1) deep rocuronium neuromuscular block with posttetanic count 1 to 2 and 4-mg/kg sugammadex as the reversal agent or (2) moderate rocuronium neuromuscular block with train-of-four (TOF) count 1 during the procedure and neuromuscular reversal with 0.07-mg/kg neostigmine to a maximum of 5 mg. Recovery of diaphragmatic function was assessed by ultrasound at baseline before the procedure and 90 minutes thereafter. The primary outcome-time to reach a TOF ratio ≥0.9 after administration of the designated reversal agent-was analyzed with a log-rank test. Secondary outcomes included time to successful tracheal extubation and the difference between postoperative and preoperative diaphragmatic contraction speed and distance. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were randomized to sugammadex and 33 to neostigmine. Baseline characteristics and surgical factors were well balanced. The median time to reach TOF ratio ≥0.9 was 3 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-3 minutes) in patients given sugammadex versus 8 minutes (95% CI, 6-10 minutes) in patients given neostigmine. Sugammadex was significantly faster by a median of 5 minutes (95% CI, 3-6 minutes; P < .001). However, times to tracheal extubation and diaphragmatic function at 90 minutes did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Sugammadex reversed deep rocuronium neuromuscular blocks considerably faster than neostigmine reversed moderate neuromuscular blocks. However, times to extubation did not differ significantly, apparently because extubation was largely determined by the time required for awaking from general anesthesia and because clinicians were willing to extubate before full neuromuscular recovery. Sugammadex may nonetheless be preferable to procedures that require a deep neuromuscular block and rapid recovery.

Hypotension Prediction Index for Prevention of Hypotension during Moderate- to High-risk Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Hypotension Prediction Index is a commercially available algorithm, based on arterial waveform features, that predicts hypotension defined as mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg for at least 1 min. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that index guidance reduces the duration and severity of hypotension during noncardiac surgery. METHODS: We enrolled adults having moderate- or high-risk noncardiac surgery with invasive arterial pressure monitoring. Participating patients were randomized to hemodynamic management with or without index guidance. Clinicians caring for patients assigned to guidance were alerted when the index exceeded 85 (range, 0 to 100) and a treatment algorithm based on advanced hemodynamic parameters suggested vasopressor administration, fluid administration, inotrope administration, or observation. Primary outcome was the amount of hypotension, defined as time-weighted average mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg. Secondary outcomes were time-weighted mean pressures less than 60 and 55 mmHg. RESULTS: Among 214 enrolled patients, guidance was provided for 105 (49%) patients randomly assigned to the index guidance group. The median (first quartile, third quartile) time-weighted average mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg was 0.14 (0.03, 0.37) in guided patients versus 0.14 (0.03, 0.39) mmHg in unguided patients: median difference (95% CI) of 0 (-0.03 to 0.04), P = 0.757. Index guidance therefore did not reduce amount of hypotension less than 65 mmHg, nor did it reduce hypotension less than 60 or 55 mmHg. Post hoc, guidance was associated with less hypotension when analysis was restricted to episodes during which clinicians intervened. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot trial, index guidance did not reduce the amount of intraoperative hypotension. Half of the alerts were not followed by treatment, presumably due to short warning time, complex treatment algorithm, or clinicians ignoring the alert. In the future we plan to use a lower index alert threshold and a simpler treatment algorithm that emphasizes prompt treatment.

McGrath Video Laryngoscope Versus Macintosh Direct Laryngoscopy for Intubation of Morbidly Obese Patients: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Two-thirds of the US population is considered obese and about 8% morbidly obese. Obese patients may present a unique challenge to anesthesia clinicians in airway management. Videolaryngoscopes may provide better airway visualization, which theoretically improves intubation success. However, previous work in morbidly obese patients was limited. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that the use of McGrath video laryngoscope improves visualization of the vocal cords versus Macintosh direct laryngoscopy (Teleflex, Morrisville, NC) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: We enrolled 130 surgical patients, aged 18-99 years, with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1-stratified for patient's body mass index ≥50 kg/m-to McGrath video laryngoscope versus direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade. The study groups were compared on glottis visualization, defined as improved Cormack and Lehane classification, with proportional odds logistic regression model. RESULTS: McGrath video laryngoscope provided significantly better glottis visualization than Macintosh direct laryngoscopy with an estimated odds ratio of 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-9.8; P < .01). We did not observe any evidence that number of intubation attempts and failed intubations increased or decreased. CONCLUSIONS: McGrath video laryngoscope improves glottis visualization versus Macintosh direct laryngoscopy in morbidly obese patients. Large clinical trials are needed to determine whether improved airway visualization with videolaryngoscopy reduces intubation attempts and failures.

A Randomized Trial of Continuous Noninvasive Blood Pressure Monitoring During Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative mortality. Early detection of hypotension by continuous hemodynamic monitoring might prompt timely therapy, thereby reducing intraoperative hypotension. We tested the hypothesis that continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitoring reduces intraoperative hypotension. METHODS: Patients ≥45 years old with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III or IV having moderate-to-high-risk noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia were included. All participating patients had continuous noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring using a finger cuff (ClearSight, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) and a standard oscillometric cuff. In half the patients, randomly assigned, clinicians were blinded to the continuous values, whereas the others (unblinded) had access to continuous blood pressure readings. Continuous pressures in both groups were used for analysis. Time-weighted average for mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg was compared using 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Hodges Lehmann estimation of location shift with corresponding asymptotic 95% CI. RESULTS: Among 320 randomized patients, 316 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. With 158 patients in each group, those assigned to continuous blood pressure monitoring had significantly lower time-weighted average mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg, 0.05 [0.00, 0.22] mm Hg, versus intermittent blood pressure monitoring, 0.11 [0.00, 0.54] mm Hg (P = .039, significance criteria P < .048). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring nearly halved the amount of intraoperative hypotension. Hypotension reduction with continuous monitoring, while statistically significant, is currently of uncertain clinical importance.

Association of Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the Incidence of a Composite of Postoperative In-hospital Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Men Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Whether patients on testosterone replacement therapy undergoing noncardiac surgery have an increased risk of postoperative in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events remains unknown. We therefore sought to identify the impact of testosterone replacement on the incidence of a composite of postoperative in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events in men undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: Data from male American Society of Anesthesiologists I through IV patients 40 yr or older who underwent noncardiac surgery between May 2005 and December 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio) main campus were included. The primary exposure was preoperative testosterone use. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events. We compared patients who received testosterone and those who did not using propensity score matching within surgical procedure matches. RESULTS: Among 49,273 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 947 patients on testosterone were matched to 4,598 nontestosterone patients. The incidence of in-hospital mortality was 1.3% in the testosterone group and 1.1% in the nontestosterone group, giving an odds ratio of 1.17 (99% CI, 0.51 to 2.68; P = 0.63). The incidence of myocardial infarction was 0.2% in the testosterone group and 0.6% in the nontestosterone group (odds ratio = 0.34; 99% CI, 0.05 to 2.28; P = 0.15). Similarly, no significant difference was found in stroke (testosterone vs. nontestosterone: 2.0% vs. 2.1%), pulmonary embolism (0.5% vs. 0.7%), or deep venous thrombosis (2.0% vs. 1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative testosterone is not associated with an increased incidence of a composite of postoperative in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events.

Anesthetic management in patients having catheter-based thrombectomy for acute pulmonary embolism: A narrative review.

Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death. Novel percutaneous catheter-based thrombectomy techniques are rapidly becoming popular in high-risk pulmonary embolism - especially in the presence of contraindications to thrombolysis. The interventional nature of these procedures and the risk of sudden cardiorespiratory compromise requires the presence of an anesthesiologist. Facilitating catheter-based thrombectomy can be challenging since qualifying patients are often critically ill. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide guidance to anesthesiologists for the assessment and management of patients having catheter-based thrombectomy for acute pulmonary embolism. First, available techniques for catheter-based thrombectomy are reviewed. Then, we discuss definitions and application of common risk stratification tools for pulmonary embolism, and how to assess patients prior to the procedure. An adjudication of risks and benefits of anesthetic strategies for catheter-based thrombectomy follows. Specifically, we give guidance and rationale for use monitored anesthesia care and general anesthesia for these procedures. For both, we review strategies for assessing and mitigating hemodynamic perturbations and right ventricular dysfunction, ranging from basic monitoring to advanced inodilator therapy. Finally, considerations for management of right ventricular failure with mechanical circulatory support are discussed.

Intraoperative hypotension during liver transplantation and postoperative outcomes: Retrospective cohort study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the association between intraoperative hypotension (IOH) and important postoperative outcomes after liver transplant such as incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI), MACE and early allograft dysfunction (EAD). DESIGN: Retrospective, single institution study. SETTINGS: Operating room. PATIENTS: 1576 patients who underwent liver transplant in our institution between January 2005 and February 2022. MEASUREMENTS: IOH was measured as the time, area under the threshold (AUT), or time-weighted average (TWA) of mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than certain thresholds (55,60 and 65 mmHg). Associations between IOH exposures and AKI severity were assessed via proportional odds models. The odds ratio from the proportional odds model estimated the relative odds of having higher stage of AKI for higher exposure to IOH. Associations between exposures and MACE and EAD were assessed through logistic regression models. Potential confounding variables including patient baseline and surgical characteristics were adjusted for all models. MAIN RESULTS: The primary analysis included 1576 surgeries that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of those, 1160 patients (74%) experienced AKI after liver transplant surgery, with 780 (49%), 248(16%), and 132 (8.4%) experiencing mild, moderate, and severe injury, respectively. No significant association between hypotension exposure and postoperative AKI (yes or no) nor severity of AKI was observed. The odds ratios (95% CI) of having more severe AKI were 1.02 (0.997, 1.04) for a 50-mmHg·min increase in AUT of MAP <55 mmHg (P = 0.092); 1.03 (0.98, 1.07) for a 15-min increase in time spent under MAP <55 mmHg (P = 0.27); and 1.24 (0.98, 1.57) for a 1 mmHg increase in TWA of MAP <55 mmHg (P = 0.068). The associations between IOH and the incidence of MACE or EAD were not significant. CONCLUSION: Our results did not show the association between IOH and investigated outcomes.